Which AC Components Are Most Prone to Fail in the Summer?

Failing AC components are the last thing you need in the middle of a Northeast Ohio summer. While today’s air conditioners are designed and engineered to higher standards of reliability than ever before, the fact remains that any mechanical device may fail or incur damaging wear and tear under extreme circumstances. In some cases, you may get warning symptoms that a marginal component is about to fail. At other times, however, it may seem to happen out of the blue when the system’s under maximum load. Certain parts are more at risk than others during hot summer conditions. Here are two specific issues to be aware of that may cause failing AC components.

Compressor Issues

The AC compressor is a powerful, 220-volt motor installed in the outdoor condenser housing of a central AC. It’s usually the most expensive component in an air conditioner. The compressor actuates when the AC cycles on, and it generates substantial heat even in normal conditions. If the system runs overly long (or nonstop) cycles during hot weather, damaging heat may cause the compressor to fail. Extended compressor cycles can be caused by:

• Low airflow due to a clogged system air filter. The filter should be changed monthly all summer long.
• Insufficient refrigerant. Usually caused by a leak, this must be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified HVAC service technician.

Issues with Evaporator Coils

System airflow passes through the indoor evaporator coil that circulates frigid refrigerant to extract heat. The evaporator coil is vulnerable to potential damage during heavy summer operation in the following ways:

• Increased accumulation of dirt and dust on coil surfaces may keep the copper coil material chronically moist. In combination with acidic pollutants common in household air, this mixture can deteriorate copper coil tubing, leading to refrigerant leaks.
• Ice may completely obstruct coil airflow passages. During long compressor cycles due to hot weather, a clogged system air filter or insufficient refrigerant may cause coil temperatures to drop too low, triggering damaging ice formation.

Contact the professionals at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning about professional service to head off or repair failing AC components.